Labor Update (3/14/08)

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)
Critics Say Verizon Agreement 'Hoodwinks' DC: A March 5 "Price Cap Settlement" with local phone/cable giant Verizon "Hoodwinks DC residents," say local labor and consumer advocates. "This agreement offers false solutions to serious quality of service complaints," Ruth Castel-Branco of DC Jobs with Justice told UNION CITY. "Verizon's systematic failure to meet standards is the result of continuous divestment from the city and a failure by government agencies to hold them accountable," added CWA 2336 President Jim Pappas. Local 2336 represents Verizon employees. "Slow internet speeds, chronic static on the lines, billing problems -- resident after resident testified to these issues during the recent Quality of Service hearings for regulated utilities," added Castel-Branco. "City agencies must ensure that the public has safe, equal, reliable and quality access to utility services. Its time to put the 'govern' back in government." Click here for more info.